§ 13. Mr. Purbrickasked the Secretary of State for Air whether the whole of the ordinary ground personnel of the Royal Air Force aerodromes are armed and receive the training of soldiers so that, in the case of emergency, they may be able to do their share properly in the defence of their aerodrome?
§ Captain BalfourYes, Sir.
§ 46. Mr. Purbrickasked the Prime Minister whether he is satisfied with the present organisation for the defence of every aerodrome, or whether he will consider placing the defence of all aerodromes under one supreme command to work in co-operation with the Royal Air Force?
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)Work upon this aspect of our defences has been continuous for many months, and improvements both in organisation and in actual defences are being continually made.
§ Mr. PurbrickIs it not a fact that aerodromes are defended in a fashion different from one another, and would it not be better to synchronise the methods so that they could all be fortified in the same way, and that that could only be done by bringing them under one supreme command?
§ Mr. AttleeThat is a matter for consideration. We are getting the best advice we can from experts.
§ Mr. PurbrickI asked whether the right hon. Gentleman would consider it.
§ Mr. Garro JonesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Air Force and Army officers, between whom the responsibility for the defence of aerodromes is divided, are completely dissatisfied with the organisation?